D&D (2024) Playtest 6: Paladin ... Divine Smite is a Spell now

[doctorbadwolf]

But what enemy is going to use their only reaction to counterspell a Divine Smite over whatever other spell the paladin's spellcaster allies are going to destroy them with? If the paladin casts a 2nd level Divine Smite spell to strike a bigger hit, and the enemy wizard says "Counterspell!" then that caster has left their side wide open for the paladin's caster ally to ruin their life with a Fireball or something worse.

Not just full caster allies either. Arcane Tricksters casting invisibility or teleporting can be just as scary for the enemy mage as a direct damage spell.

 

[WanderingMystic]

Since 5th Ed came out I have only been in 3 games with paladins but they all cast spells in every session and didn't just smite non stop.

 

[Mephista]

Not one of which happens in time to use counterspell. You have to use it before any of that becomes apparent.

So.... how do you know a spell is being cast if you're not allowed to know any of the signs of casting a spell?

 

[Sir Brennen]

Not one of which happens in time to use counterspell. You have to use it before any of that becomes apparent.

What? The guy in armor swings a sword. Then he immediately begins casting a spell. Any high Int wizard capable of casting Counterspell can be 99% certain it’s a Smite, and not worth a Counterspell.

 

[Sir Brennen]

I've never seen a paladin cast a spell. Bless and other concentration spells go away very quickly since paladins are melee and getting hit a lot. You're better off using the slot for damage than casting and losing bless.

The paladin in my current group uses Shield of Faith all the time, despite being a concentration spell. Of course, it helps you keep concentration by making you harder to hit. Also plays into helping the paladin have a higher AC, which you dismissed earlier.

 

[Maxperson]

So.... how do you know a spell is being cast if you're not allowed to know any of the signs of casting a spell?

You will know a spell is being cast, but won't see a sword glow, hear the words or see pointing until it's too late to counterspell. Once it has gotten to the point where you might know what spell is being cast, you've used your reaction to do it and you only get one reaction.

 

[Maxperson]

The paladin in my current group uses Shield of Faith all the time, despite being a concentration spell. Of course, it helps you keep concentration by making you harder to hit. Also plays into helping the paladin have a higher AC, which you dismissed earlier.

I'm not saying that it doesn't happen. I've just never seen it done.

 

[mellored]

Sure, but something that happens at 11th level is irrelevant for the first 10 levels.

You're not doing a good job keeping your story straight.

 

[Maxperson]

You're not doing a good job keeping your story straight.

Nope. Been saying that consistently for pages.

 

[Mephista]

You will know a spell is being cast, but won't see a sword glow, hear the words or see pointing until it's too late to counterspell. Once it has gotten to the point where you might know what spell is being cast, you've used your reaction to do it and you only get one reaction.

But HOW do you know? Like, what exactly is your character sensing that is tipping them off to a spell being cast?

Or does your table just rely on the DM to say "X is casting a spell" without any in character justifications?